Why Should We Gather at Church?
The church is called ‘ecclesia’ in Greek, which means ‘be call out’. In other words, it means ‘a group of people who were called according to God’s good will and move from the place of destruction to the place of redemptive love and eternal life on the cross.’ However, the literal meaning of this word is “gathering of citizens called from their homes to a public place.”
Therefore, the existence of the church is possible when we come out from our homes and gather in a specific place. But among believers, there are people who dislike gathering or reject the importance of gathering (Heb 10:25).
- Why do they stop coming to church and forsake assembling?
If we look at the historical situation of those who did not come to church and tried to abandon gatherings, there are few reasons:
- Some believe that Christianity is sufficient for receiving love and performing the deeds of love to other. So, they think that gathering in the church is cumbersome restricting the freedom of their lives and hindering their business in making money.
- Some do not realize that Jesus Christ has become their Redeemer and atoned for our sins on the cross. They say, “why am I a sinner?”
- Some become arrogant and think there is no need to gather anymore.
- When church persecution begins, some prefer to avoid it. They say, “why should we go to a church with so many problems and issues?”
- Some think the designated place of worship is too far away.
- There are non-believers in the family and worry about family persecution.
- There is immorality and corruption in the church. They say, “why should I live with such people?”
- Why should we gather at the church?
The founding pastor said that the people who act without understanding are the people who do not understand the purpose of the church’s existence.
In Deut 12:5-6, God teaches us about the purpose of the church, that is to worship God. The church was established as a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices. Of course, we can worship God anytime and anywhere; however, He is more pleased to be worshipped in a designated place and in a designated manner.
Public worship involves communal prayer, communal hymn, offering that brings about God’s blessing, time of sermon, sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and Benediction (Psa 5:7; Psa 96:6; 2 Chro 5:13; 2 Chro 30:21; Nehe 8:4-10). These are things that cannot be practiced in private prayer or worship that being held at private homes.
In churches, the word of God is proclaimed. The living Word of God should be the biggest reason why we should set aside all reasons and come to church and gather. Some churches are ritual centered. Other churches have become center of mysticism, testimony, and excitement or emotion. However, the true church must center on the Word of God. Because only the Word regenerates us and makes us strong (1 Pet 1:23; 1 Pet 2:1-2).
- We must gather at church to strengthen the blessing.
Which parent would hope that their children will not do well? God’s promise to believers is that He will be our God and our Father (Levi 26:12; 2 Cor 6:18).
That is why our Father God wants the best for His children. If we look at it this way, the reason God commanded us to gather in a designated place and worship in a designated way was so that we could be blessed and prosper.
However, Satan does not allow us to receive God’s blessings like this. What weapons does Satan use? It’s individualism. He puts gossip about the church in our hearts and makes people dislike gatherings (Mat 18:20).
In Mat 18:20, Jesus promised that where two or three people gather, He will also be there, too. This does not mean we should not gather in large groups of 100 or 50 or 30 or 10 people. This means not to be alone. Because being alone, it is not gathering but if there are at least two or three, then gathering can happen. So, what Jesus meant here is if there is a gathering, He will be among them which makes the gathering a true church. This is the blessing Jesus bestowed in Mat 18:20.
The early church members gathered every day. They gathered to receive the Holy Spirit, gathered to break bread, gathered to pray together, and gathered to receive the Word. Because of this gathering, the early church was able to grow, revive and prosper.
When we devote our lives to gather like the saints of the early church, the same blessings that the saints of the early church received will be given to our church and to you.
1 Pet 2:5 says that we become living stones and are built into a spiritual house. Who will become a spiritual house? Will this building become a spiritual house? No. When you and I gather, there will be a church, and that church will become a spiritual house for God.
In conclusion, the world is now entering the era of Ai after Covid. The era of the 4th Industrial Revolution makes us aim for a more comfortable life. 2 to 3 years ago, was heard that the metaverse was created, and a church was created there, so people just sit at home, moved their avatars, went to church, have concert-like time of praise, listen to sermon, give offering, and return home. All these things happen in virtual place. How comfortable that must be.
However, God’s way is to gather physically. Even if it doesn’t fit the current generation’s trends or is very inconvenient, it is God’s way.
James 2:26 says that faith without action is dead faith. The founding pastor explained that if there is no action to gather together, it is a dead faith.
Dear believers, let’s gather together. Let’s get together from time to time. I believe that when we gather, Jesus Christ will be there and there will be blessings from our Father. I believe that through this gathering, you will win over Satan, be liberated from all your difficulties, and be blessed with great blessings.
The Lord's Covenant Church Malaysia 